The Kansas City Chiefs have made significant changes to their roster as they prepare for their upcoming game, placing four players on the Reserve/Injured list. The affected players include wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, both sidelined due to concussions, as well as cornerbacks Trent McDuffie (knee) and Jaylen Watson (groin). This decision effectively ends their seasons, presenting a challenge for the Chiefs as they move forward.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s game, five players from the Chiefs are listed as questionable. Wide receiver Nikko Remigio has not participated in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday due to a knee issue. Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, defensive end George Karlaftis, and linebacker Nick Bolton all faced limitations in practice because of illnesses. Meanwhile, right tackle Jaylon Moore fully participated in drills, and tight end Jake Briningstool was also a full participant but has been ruled out and will remain on the Reserve/Injured list. In a positive development, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson has been activated from injured reserve and is ready to play.
On the other side, the Denver Broncos are dealing with their own injury challenges, as four of their starters, including tight end Nate Adkins and wide receiver Pat Bryant, have been ruled out after not participating in practice throughout the week. Center Luke Wattenberg and linebacker Dre Greenlaw have also been declared out for the game. Starting tight end Adam Trautman, who was reported as ill and did not practice on Wednesday, has not been given a game designation and is expected to be available against the Chiefs.
Additionally, rotational inside linebacker Justin Strnad, who missed the Week 16 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a foot injury, is anticipated to return, alongside starting left guard Ben Powers, who was limited with a biceps issue. Both players are expected to strengthen the Broncos’ lineup as they face a challenging opponent in Kansas City.